Does Graphic Design Apply to Other Fields of Study?

Having the opportunity to become a graphic designer is one of the major reasons why students attend graphic design school in the United States. There are many more career opportunities that exist; graphic design can be used in other fields.

Media is one of the most prominent career fields for graphic designers due to the high volume of graphic work needed by a variety of individuals and organizations. Marketing companies, public relations firms, newspapers, and even advertising groups use graphic designers to create visual images for their clients. While some employ graphic designers as part of their in-house staff others are hired on as freelancers, giving them the opportunity to work as graphic designers while still serving as their own boss.

Graphic designers are also used in the entertainment field. Promotional materials for new movies and television shows need graphic designers to create images that draw people in and make them want to see the show. In addition graphic designers can be used to create programs for theatre shows and even design play and theatrical sets for artists to paint or construct.

Business is another field where graphic designers play an important role. Although they tend to use more formal methods when communicating with their publics, graphic designers are still needed to help create and maintain a visual brand and image for the company. Logos, letterhead, envelopes, newsletters, and even websites are just some of the projects a graphic designer might work on when employed in the business field.

One of the fastest growing areas for graphic designers to work in is healthcare, and this is a result of the rising demand for care and services across the nation. Generally they are employed by hospitals or other large care facilities where they are responsible for enhancing the image of the hospital to the patients, staff, and public. Working with the maintenance staff to update the atmosphere of the physical facility through visual enhancements or educating patients and staff about new procedures through posters are just two of the tasks a graphic designer may be assigned when working in a healthcare setting.

With the rapid advancement of technology, more and more graphics designers are being recruited by companies to work with computers, the Internet, and new technology as it is developed. For example, computer software and web management companies often hire graphic designers to develop graphics for their software or websites. This is why it is important as a graphic designer to know what the latest trends are as well as how to apply your graphic design skills in different formats and fields.

Finally as a graphic designer there are opportunities to work in career fields such as engineering, science, and government. Many of the same tasks a graphic designer performs for businesses will also be performed in these career fields. Few choose to pursue opportunities in these areas because the number of graphic design jobs is limited. As a graphic designer you should find a career field that interests you and compliments the skills and knowledge you have in the design field.

by Chad Morrison